Sorbitol Hydrogenolysis to Glycols over Baisic Additive Promoted Ni-based Catalysts

A series of Ni based catalysts with different supports and basic additives were prepared by sequential impregnation method. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, BET, H₂-TPR and CO₂-TPD techniques. It was found that the introduction of basic additives enhanced the basicities of catalyats and promoted the dispersities of Ni particles by strong interaction between Ni²⁺ and basic additives. Among the Ni based catalysts, 10%Ni/10%La₂O₃/ZrO₂ showed the superior performance in sorbitol hydrogenolysis. The synergistic effect of Ni and La₂O₃ was proven to play an essential role in selective synthesis of EG and 1,2-PG. In the optimal reaction condition, the catalyst presented 100% sorbitol conversion and over 48% glycols (EG and 1,2-PG) yield. The kinetics study of polyols (sorbitol, xylitol and glycerol) hydrogenolysis showed that polyols with more hydroxyl number have higher activity and products distribution was final results of kinetic balance, which could give us some inspiration about how to change the products selectivity.